Partial Balayage Vs Full Balayage : 8 Key Differences

Partial Balayage vs Full Balayage: What’s the Difference?

July 5, 2023 by Mani Pandey

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The application of hand-painted highlights on the hair is known as balayage. It is of two types- partial and full. Highlights are added throughout the hair in full balayage when a person wants all-over lightened hair, but in partial balayage, highlights are added to some parts of the hair only. Read on to check out the differences.

Partial Balayage Vs Full Balayage

Partial balayage can be differentiated from full balayage based on the following points:

1. Area of Application: In partial balayage, specific areas of hair are highlighted but in full balayage, every section and layer of hair is highlighted. The Top, front or face forming layers are often focused in partial balayage.

2. Outcome: Since a few hair sections are bleached in partial balayage, the chances of damage are less, unlike the full balayage where all the hair is bleached, resulting in weaker hair shafts.

3. Appearance: Bright or colored accents are added to the hair in partial balayage to create a subtle look but in full balayage, there is a dramatic change in the finished look imparted to the hair.

[ Read: Why Is My Black Hair Turning Brown? ]

4. Which Type is Suitable for Whom: People who want subtle and highlighting effects will find partial balayage a better option, but those who need a more pronounced color lift can opt for full balayage.

5. Price: Partial balayage is affordable compared to full balayage. You just need to visit your hairdresser once in the former case compared to multiple visits for the latter. The rates of colorist, hair coloring requirements, and the location where the treatment is done, affects the final price of both the processes.

6. Duration for The Process: Partial balayage needs less time and can be done in a single visit but full balayage needs more time and multiple visits may be needed for creating a textured and full-dimensional look.

7. Maintenance: This is less in the case of partial balayage, compared to the full balayage as the new growth in partial balayage is lesser compared to the full. So the follow-up visits to the hairdresser are less in the former case compared to the latter where the hair regrowth in a short time might need frequent toning and hairline touch-up to maintain a warm and decent look.

8. Life Span of The Process: Partial balayage stays for 12-14 weeks but if you want it to last longer, then opt for full balayage and visit the salon often.

Partial balayage is often a marketing trend for promoting subtle highlights. No matter which type of balayage you choose, your hair stylist will hand paint the dye on your hair, to create a unique look. You can have a personalized finish which can match your coloring needs through these processes.